Results: Riga United FC vs. Monarhs-Flaminko
04 / 09 / 2015
Monarhs-Flaminko UNITED FOUGHT BUT MONARCHS TOO STRONG
Gouglou 18, 34
With tired legs but much anticipation going into this game last
night, Riga were hoping they could pull off a surprise victory.
However, it wasn’t to be and the technical Monarchs team won
the game 4-2.
This game was particularly noted for the referees lack of control
and consistency of decisions as they players tempers flared at
numerous points during the game. And whilst Monarchs should
have had a player sent off, it was Riga who finished the game with
10 men as Kareem Gouglou was sent of for a rough but not red card
worthy challenge.
Things were tough from the beginning when only 3 mins in monarchs
got their first goal. The ball was lost in the United half
and they played a through ball which sliced open the defence and it
was 0-1.
It took 15mins of the game for Riga to find their feet in the game
as they started looking to keep the ball patiently and gradually
work it forward. Sorando came close with a shot from close
range and Aliks hit the post from a corner.
On the 19th minute mark, Samaniego made a great run forward and
took a fierce shot, the goalie failed to save but instead pushed it
out to the dangerous feet of the ‘Moroccan Magician’ and still with
some work to do, Gouglou fired off a fantastic shot which the
goalie had no chance.
Searching for a second, Riga were trying to get the ball forward
and Julian Lock fired a shot which hit the crossbar, Riga could
surely count themselves unlucky. It was in the 35th minute
that Riga were rewarded when Agebrant made a tenacious run into the
box trying to keep the ball to his feet and managed to draw the
defender into making a mistake. It was up to Gouglou to put
it home, and he did to make it 2-1 and his 7th goal of the
season.
However 3mins later, it was all square when a looping header came
in from a throw. And one minute later with Riga completely
switched off, it was now 2-3 to Monarchs.
As the halftime whistle blew, Monarchs were the more relieved team
but it was United who were the more angry after some very nocuous
challenges and off the ball activities from the Monarchs players.
Into the second half and Riga dropped the pace and started playing
quite deep. That’s not to say through lack of trying.
But Monarchs skill proved too good as they started to break
the shape of Riga.
Riga were not able to get too many shots off, however, the fought
for the ball well and overall did a decent job of defending.
The 4th goal though came because no one got out quick enough
to block the floating pass which came in and it was a headed fourth
in the 72nd min.
The job did not get easier for Riga as in 78th min, Gouglou was
sent off. So Riga played the last 10 minutes with 10 men.
They looked to try and get a break on the counter but the
tiredness took over. However, Monarchs also didn’t produce much in
the way of creativity and the game peated out to the conclusion as
Monarchs went away with a 4-2 win.
It can’t be helped but felt that if Riga had played like that in
some of the previous games, they would have been higher up the
table. The performance was solid and they will be
disappointed how they lost the game in conceding the two quick
goals but overall, they should hold their heads high as they
battled till the end.
Macron’s Man of The Match: Anton Agebrant. He was
getting fouled all game but with his pace and passing he kept going
and kept on trying to create something.